Unmanned Aerial Inspections

Dominion Energy has been working with multiple Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) vendors - members of the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership at Virginia Tech - since early 2014.

Dominion Energy has begun using vendors that have completed the required Federal Aviation Administration authorizations to inspect transmission lines and towers with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly known as drones, in August 2015.

This program has the potential to improve safety, shorten patrol times on transmission lines, and reduce the need to use helicopters.

Below you will find some Frequently Asked Questions about the program.

What is a drone and what does UAV and UAS mean?

Here are the definitions:

Drone: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UAS: Unmanned Aerial System

Why does Dominion Energy want to use UAVs?

We want to use UAVs to improve the speed, efficiency, and safety of completing routine inspections on transmission lines and structures. Currently, either helicopters have to be dispatched or linemen have to climb structures to inspect equipment. Using UAVs will also help reduce Dominion Energy’s carbon footprint.

How did this program get started?

Dominion Energy is always looking at new technologies that help provide reliable service to our customers. We began working with vendors and the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership in 2014 to investigate new technologies to help us inspect our transmission equipment.

How does Dominion Energy plan to use the UAVs?

Highly skilled UAV operators, will stand on the ground below transmission lines and fly the UAVs remotely within sight to take high definition video and photos of lines and towers to identify any equipment along the corridor that may need repair or maintenance. Dominion Energy plans to augment its current helicopter patrols with UAV technology. This will help ensure the high-voltage electric transmission system and rights of way are performing safely, efficiently and reliably. In the future, we hope to use UAVs to aid in assessing storm damage after major events, saving time and resources during the restoration effort.

What are Dominion Energy's current aerial inspection programs?

Aerial inspections are common electric utility practices. Inspections include using helicopters to fly over or hover near structures and transmission lines to closely examine equipment. Dominion Energy also uses helicopters for unplanned line operation inspections to detect a problem location during an outage or interruption to the transmission lines.

What are inspectors looking for during an aerial inspection?

Flying and hovering around the high-voltage electric transmission system enables inspectors to clearly see any defects that could affect safety or service reliability. Specifically, the inspector surveys the transmission system for structural issues, damaged wire and hardware problems. Over time, hardware becomes worn by storms, wind and the high-voltage electric current constantly running through the lines. Due to the high-voltage electricity the transmission lines carry, inspectors also look in rights of way for objects such as pools, sheds, vehicles, etc., that are too close to the lines and structures and may pose safety concerns for the public and the electric system.

Who will operate the UAVs?

Dominion Energy has hired vendors that specialize in the safe operation of UAVs. These partners are certified and are members of the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership. Many of the operators are former military pilots.

Does Dominion Energy and its vendors have the proper licensing to legally fly these UAVs?

Yes, Dominion Energy uses vendors that have all necessary FAA approval. All of our vendors are members of the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership at Virginia Tech, which has one of six test sites in the country. The FAA approved visual line-of-sight test flights that took place at the Dominion Energy training facility began in December 2014.

Are there safety risks of flying UAVs near transmission lines?

Overall, safety risks to the public and to our crews are greatly reduced when compared to conventional methods. We will reduce our need to fly helicopters to identify issues or perform routine checks.

Are there privacy issues surrounding the use of these UAVs?

We take the privacy of our customers and the citizens of Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina seriously. The unmanned aerial vehicles will fly only in transmission right of ways and be used to capture only video or photos associated with the proper maintenance of Dominion Energy facilities. Every state has privacy laws to protect citizens’ privacy, and the use of UAVs is subject to these laws. Dominion Energy will fully comply with the letter and spirit of these laws to protect citizens.